August 30, 2025 – New Orleans, Louisiana
A Nigerian citizen, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, 40, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to his role in a romance scam that defrauded multiple American women of more than $405,000.
The plea was entered on August 21 before United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown, according to a statement released by Shane M. Jones, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Inweregbu admitted guilt on two counts: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud using an assumed identity, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges fall under multiple sections of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Between July 2017 and December 2018, Inweregbu and his co-conspirators orchestrated a romance scam targeting middle-aged American women. They created fake profiles on social media and dating platforms under the alias “Larry Pham,” posing as a middle-aged man seeking companionship.
Using messaging platforms and email, the group initiated contact with victims, gradually building emotional connections. Once trust was established, they persuaded victims to send money to domestic bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
The scheme resulted in actual and intended financial losses exceeding $405,000. Prosecutors say the funds were laundered through a series of financial transactions designed to obscure their origin and ownership.
Inweregbu now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, along with three years of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000 and $500,000 respectively. He is also subject to a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, before Judge Brown.
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